Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting time, full of love, play, and lots of learning. As your puppy grows, one of the most important things you'll need to consider is what kind of chews are best for them. Chews are more than just a tasty treat for your puppy—they are essential for their development, helping to soothe teething pain, keep their teeth clean, and provide mental stimulation. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right chews for your puppy? In this blog, we'll explore the different types of chews that are safe and beneficial for your growing pup.
Why Chews Are Important for Puppies
Puppies are naturally inclined to chew. It’s part of their exploration of the world and a way to ease the discomfort of teething. Between the ages of 3 to 6 months, puppies begin to lose their baby teeth, and adult teeth start to come in. This process can be painful, and chewing helps relieve some of that discomfort. Additionally, chewing helps strengthen their jaws and keeps their teeth clean by scraping off plaque.
Choosing the right chew is essential not only for your puppy’s health but also for your peace of mind. The wrong kind of chew can be too hard, causing damage to their developing teeth, or too soft, posing a choking hazard.
Types of Chews for Puppies
1. Soft, Edible Chews
Soft, edible chews are a great choice for young puppies, especially those under 3 months old. These chews are easy on their baby teeth and are often made with gentle ingredients that are easy to digest. Soft chews are typically smaller in size and can be consumed entirely by your puppy, making them a safe option for young dogs.
Examples:
- Peanut Butter Chews: Made from natural peanut butter, these chews are both tasty and easy for puppies to chew on.
- Sweet Potato Chews: Soft, slightly chewy, and full of vitamins, these are a great natural option for young puppies.
2. Teething Rings
Teething rings are specifically designed to help puppies through the teething process. These chews are usually made of rubber or other durable yet flexible materials that can withstand chewing but are gentle on a puppy’s tender gums. Some teething rings can be cooled in the refrigerator to provide extra relief for sore gums.
Benefits:
- Pain Relief: The rubber texture massages the gums and provides relief from teething discomfort.
- Durability: Teething rings are designed to last through the teething phase, making them a practical choice for puppies.
3. Rawhide Alternatives
Traditional rawhide chews are not recommended for puppies because they can be difficult to digest and may cause choking hazards. However, there are many safe rawhide alternatives available that provide the same satisfying chew without the risks. These alternatives are often made from natural ingredients and are easily digestible.
Examples:
- Yak Milk Chews: These long-lasting chews are made from yak and cow milk, creating a hard, nutritious treat that’s perfect for puppies who love to chew. They’re easily digestible and packed with protein and calcium.
- Rice-Based Chews: These chews are typically softer than rawhide and dissolve more easily, making them a safer option for young dogs.
4. Antlers and Buffalo Horns
As your puppy grows older and their teeth develop, they’ll be ready for tougher chews. Antlers and buffalo horns are excellent choices for more aggressive chewers. These natural chews are rich in minerals like calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for strong bones and teeth. They’re also long-lasting, providing hours of entertainment for your puppy.
Benefits:
- Dental Health: The hard surface helps to scrape off plaque and tartar, promoting healthy teeth and gums.
- Nutritional Value: Antlers and buffalo horns contain essential nutrients that support your puppy’s overall health.
Note: While antlers and buffalo horns are great for older puppies, they may be too hard for very young puppies or those with softer teeth. Always supervise your puppy when they’re chewing on these harder treats to ensure they don’t hurt themselves or attempt to swallow large pieces.
What to Avoid
When choosing chews for your puppy, there are a few things you’ll want to avoid:
- Chews that are too hard: Very hard chews can damage your puppy’s developing teeth. Avoid things like bones or very tough chews until your puppy is older.
- Chews with artificial ingredients: Always choose chews made from natural ingredients. Artificial additives, flavors, and colors can be harmful to your puppy’s health.
- Small or breakable chews: Small chews or chews that can easily break into pieces can pose a choking hazard for puppies. Make sure any chew you give is appropriate for your puppy’s size and chewing ability.
Choosing the right chew for your puppy is crucial, and peaksNpaws offers some of the best natural chews available. They are made from 100% natural ingredients, ensuring your puppy gets a healthy, safe, and enjoyable chewing experience. Their yak milk chews are particularly popular, providing a long-lasting, digestible, and nutritious treat that’s perfect for puppies. As your puppy grows, peaksNpaws also offers a range of antlers and buffalo horns, ideal for older puppies and adult dogs. With peaksNpaws, you can trust that you’re giving your puppy a treat that’s both delicious and beneficial for their development.
Give your puppy the best start with natural chews. Visit our website today to explore our range of puppy-friendly treats and find the perfect chew for your growing dog. With peaksNpaws, you’re not just giving your puppy a treat—you’re supporting their health and happiness from the very beginning. Treat your puppy to the best with peaksNpaws!
